I am sitting at Freedom Lodge and it is afternoon.  The first departure of our group took place this morning.  We have begun the process of returning to our homes.  This is an emotional time.  While we will be glad to return to our families and friends, we are also sad to leave this place where we have bonded as a group, made new friends with the people of Tanzania, enjoyed the beauty of the landscape and the novelty of the animals in their natural habitat, and most of all were rewarded by the connections we made at Ngateu school.

I do not feel that my journey has ended but has just been temporarily interrupted.  I look forward to further connections with the school, its students and teachers, and the people of Tanzania.  I have great hope that the girl I sponsor will succeed in the future and know that her instincts to help people will enrich her life and mine.

I thank my family for sending me off with good wishes and will be excited to see them in a few days.I am truly blessed to have a foot in two continents.  Earla